NASA has mapped out its grand plans for future space exploration including the idea to send mankind to Mars and hijacking an asteroid.

At a hearing called “From Here to Mars”, William Gerstenmaier, an associate administrator at NASA, outlined its missions in the works — with one project intended to send a manned spacecraft to an asteroid then use technology to knock it into orbit around the moon.

It sounds like a Hollywood action flick but the intention is for scientific research rather than thrill rides:

“We’re going to grab a piece of the solar system, we’re going to deflect it around the moon and insert it into a distant retrograde orbit around the moon where our crews can go visit,” he said. “To think we’re moving a piece of the solar system for our use that will allow us to learn skills and techniques that we need to push the human presence into the solar system, that’s a pretty awe-inspiring statement.”

This saucer-shaped vehicle is NASA’s latest high-tech exploration tool which will help caSource:Supplied

But how does one simply capture an asteroid? Without the help of Bruce Willis, the ARM (Asteroid Redirection Mission) will look to use high-power solar electric propulsion for acceleration as well as provide power for manned crews on the rock. NASA is working on guidance and navigation systems to steer the asteroid.

Other than this reasonably audacious idea Gerstenmaier also spoke about its road map for establishing human outposts and settlements within our solar system.

The report mentions how human and robotic exploration of Mars and deep space will be ramped up with test flights of unscrewed craft happening this year and again in 2018. Crewed missions are expected to happen in 2021 or 2022.

NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) will help mankind reach further destinations in space. SSource:Supplied

“NASA’s exploration strategy will use an approach of pioneering multiple destinations in the solar system. Over time, we will move beyond conducting limited-duration forays to distant destinations “

“We will engage international partners, who will bring to the table their own unique scientific and technological expertise — expanding humanity’s presence into space is too large a task for any one country to go it alone. Finally, we will strive to achieve the optimal balance of human and robotic exploration, taking advantage of what humans and machines each do best as we search for life in the universe.”